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In order to improve the efficiency of the self-priming pump in the outdoor emergency rescue mobile pump truck, this paper took the key energy conversion component-impeller as the target and used the orthogonal experimental design method to optimize its hydraulic performance. Firstly the numerical calculations were compared with the experimental results to confirm the reliability of the calculation method. Then, L9 (34) orthogonal design was applied to investigate the influence of the impeller diameter, the blade outlet width, the blade wrap angle and the number of blades on the hydraulic performance of the self-priming pump. Through range analysis, the order of influence of each influencing factor on the head and efficiency of the self-priming pump was determined, and finally obtained the optimal parameter combination scheme. The results show that the optimized self-priming pump exceeds the head of the prototype pump at all flow conditions, and the efficiency curve at high flow conditions is significantly improved and has a wide high efficiency zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is based on the proximity engineering project of the Baishiyi tunnel group passing under the Chongqing West Station track group. Considering the train load and the spatial relationship of the tunnel and track groups, the settlement patterns, horizontal displacement, and differential settlement of the tunnel–strata–tracks system during the excavation process are studied through theoretical calculations and numerical simulation methods. The results indicate that the tunnel vault, strata, and track settlement deformation patterns are similar. Throughout the tunnel construction process, the tracks underwent uplift, settlement, and eventually stabilized. The settlement trough formed by the excavation of the three tunnels below the track group has an impact range of 25–145 m. Between 35 and 75 m, the differential settlement of the double track gradually increases with excavation. As the tunnel face reaches 75 m, the track differential settlement gradually converges and tends to stabilize. To minimize the impact of underpass tunnel construction on track groups, it is recommended to use a combination of full-section hole grouting and surface reinforcement grouting for ground reinforcement. Additionally, optimizing the construction parameters, including the step length and primary support closure time, and strengthening the locking anchor can further reduce the impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A global disaster, such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic, affects every aspect of our lives and there is a need to investigate these highly complex phenomena if one aims to diminish their impact in the health of the population, as well as their socio-economic stability. In this paper we present an attempt to understand the role of the governmental authorities and the response of the rest of the population facing such emergencies. We present a mathematical model that takes into account the epidemiological features of the pandemic and also the actions of people responding to it, focusing only on three aspects of the system, namely, the fear of catching this serious disease, the impact on the economic activities and the compliance of the people to the mitigating measures adopted by the authorities. We apply the model to the specific case of Spain, since there are accurate data available about these three features. We focused on tourism as an example of the economic activity, since this sector of economy is one of the most likely to be affected by the restrictions imposed by the authorities, and because it represents an important part of Spanish economy. The results of numerical calculations agree with the empirical data in such a way that we can acquire a better insight of the different processes at play in such a complex situation, and also in other different circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Step error calculation of numerical control (NC) machining tool path is a premise for generating high-quality tool path and promoting its application. At present, iterative methods are generally used to calculate step error, and the computation time increases when accuracy improves. Neural networks can be calculated on GPUs and cloud platforms, which is conducive to reducing computation time and improving accuracy through continuous learning. This article innovatively introduces a BP neural network model to predict step error values. Firstly, the core parameters required for step error calculation are taken as the data samples to construct the neural network model, and map to the same scale through Z-score normalization to eliminate the adverse effects of singular parameters on the calculation results. Then, considering only a small number of parameters determine theoretical values of step error, the Dropout technique can drop hidden layer neurons with a certain probability, which is helpful to avoid overfitting and used in the neural network model design. In the neural network model training, this paper adds the Stochastic Gradient Descent with Momentum (SGDM) optimizer to the back propagation of network training in order to improves the network' stability and accuracy. The proposed neural network predicts step error of samples from three surface models, the results show that the prediction error decreases as sample training increases. After trained by 15% of the surface samples, the neural network predicts the step errors of the remaining samples. Compared with theoretical values, more than 99% of the predicted values have an absolute error less than 1 μm. Moreover, the cost time is only one-third of the geometric method, which verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of our method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research of resistive network will become the basis of many fields. At present, many exact potential formulas of some complex resistor networks have been obtained. Computer numerical simulation is the trend of computing, but written calculation will limit the time and scale. In this paper, the potential formulas of a m × n scale cobweb resistor network and fan resistor network are optimized. Chebyshev polynomial of the second class and the absolute value function are used to express the novel potential formulas of the resistor network, and described in detail the derivation process of the explicit formula. Considering the influence of parameters on the potential formulas, several idiosyncratic potential formulas are proposed, and the corresponding three-dimensional dynamic images are drawn. Two numerical algorithms of the computing potential are presented by using the mathematical model and DST-VI. Finally, the efficiency of calculating potential by different methods are compared. The advantages of new potential formulas and numerical algorithms by the calculation efficiency of the three methods are shown. The optimized potential formulas and the presented numerical algorithms provide a powerful tool for the field of science and engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comprehensive study on the numerical and parametric study of geocell-reinforced cohesive soil beds, focusing on different infill materials. The numerical calculations were validated against model test results using FLAC3D software. Subsequently, the verified model was expanded to the geocell-reinforced cohesive soil beds. Six cases were simulated to investigate the reinforced performance, including pressure-settlement responses, bearing capacity improvement factor, settlement reduction percentage, and surface deformation. The numerical findings emphasize that the significance of superior geocell reinforcement should not overshadow the consideration of soil infill's mechanical properties. In the case of cohesive soil as the infill material, the poor improvement in geocell-reinforced performance may be attributed to its low modulus and cohesion. Parametric studies suggest that geocells significantly impact reinforced performance when the infill material consists of foundation soil with a higher modulus and lower cohesion. Further, according to this numerical study, cohesionless soil with a modulus of 20 MPa and friction of 40° is the optimum infill soil in pockets to reinforce cohesive soil beds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of a reasonable numerical calculation method is the key to accurately analyzing tunnel rock-support interactions. In this paper, we address the support constraint effect of tunnels and analyze the influence of related factors based on the confinement convergence method. Rupturable support models are developed using FLAC3D to intuitively show the numerical calculation results of tunnels. The results imply that the virtual supporting force generated by the support constraint effect should be considered in two-dimensional rock tunnel model calculations, and that the supporting force of the support should be increased by 2–3% of the maximum supporting force. Boundary effects should be considered in the three-dimensional tunnel model calculations, in which the influence range of the model boundary effect is nearly 1.5 times the tunnel span. A comparison of the field monitoring data and numerical calculations of the Baoshan tunnel project shows that the numerical results that consider the support constraint effect are in better agreement with the actual project situation. The rupturable support models can also reflect the stress and failure evolution law of supports, and provide support for the accurate evaluation of tunnel engineering stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stability of surrounding rock with bolt support depends on the stability within the reinforcement range. To understand the reinforcing mechanism of a rectangular roadway bolt fully and accurately, a quantitative method for evaluating the stability of the surrounding rock of a rectangular roadway must be developed. First, a roof beam model of a rectangular tunnel is established according to the deformation law of surrounding rock. Based on the elastic–plastic theory, the deflection calculation formula can be derived, and the ultimate load of the roof beam can be obtained under the plastic state without support. Second, based on the reinforcement effect of bolts, a model of a surrounding rock reinforcement body is established, the physical and mechanical properties of this body are deduced, and a method for evaluating the stability of surrounding rock is derived. Finally, by considering actual engineering cases, the theoretical calculation results of surrounding rock deformation are compared with the numerical simulation and field monitoring results. Moreover, the influence of different parameters of the bolt support on the mechanical characteristics and stability of reinforcement is investigated. The results show that the theoretical calculations approximate the numerical simulation and field monitoring values, thus verifying the rationality of the theory. The physical and mechanical properties and stability of the surrounding rock reinforcement body are considerably affected by changes in bolt length and spacing. The anchor design must apply the following principle: the bolt must either be long and sparsely spaced or short and densely spaced. The theory presented in this paper provides a relatively simple and fast quantitative calculation method for the study of the surrounding rock stability of bolt-supported rectangular roadways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of existing large pumping station equipment for upstream residual water reverse power generation is an unrealized yet valuable renewable energy project. At present, some large axial flow pump stations have begun to perform reverse power generation operations; however, related research has not yet started. In this paper, entropy generation theory is applied to a large-scale axial flow pump station system in reverse power generation operations, and the entropy generation method is used to investigate the accurate size and distribution of the mechanical energy dissipation of each component under different flow conditions. First, the energy characteristics and pressure fluctuations in the pump of the large axial flow pump station system are experimentally tested under reverse power generation conditions. The reliability of the entropy generation numerical calculation is verified both experimentally and theoretically. Then, the proportion of each component in the total entropy production is compared to illustrate how each component contributes to the total entropy production of the system and how this contribution changes as operating conditions vary. Then, the type of entropy production of each component is accurately determined under different flow conditions, revealing the changes in the proportions of the different types of entropy production of each component. Finally, components with large mechanical energy dissipations are selected, and the changes and causes of the energy dissipation distribution of the components are thoroughly analysed under different flow conditions. The research results can aid in better understanding the energy dissipation mechanism of large axial flow pump systems in reverse power generation operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the tests described in the paper was conducting a displacement and stress analysis of four buried flexible structures made in different technologies under failure load. Generally, the laboratory tests carried out on in full scale confirms that all four culvert models of the work safely despite the reduction of the backfill layer over the structures to 0.3 m (less than according to standard recommendations) and increasing the load to 1960 -2000 kN (almost 4 times more than according to standards and recommendations). In the case of a PE plastic pipe, the main measured parameter was displacement and for other steel research models it was the stress. The obtained maximum values of these parameters were compared with the permissible standard values. Maximum displacement values were recorded in the crowns of the structures up to 12.57 mm for PE plastic pipe model. The maximum stresses for steel structures were 85.28 MPa (for corrugated steel pipe), 111.5 MPa (Box Culvert) and 447.9 MPa (Multi Plate non-circular structure). Despite the exceed stress in the case of Multi Plate structure, the steel structure did not lose its stability. The analyses carried out were aimed at determining database, which in its assumption, allows the verification of calculations performed by a numerical method such as FEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate that a nonlinear Kerr effect in suitable coupling conditions can introduce a spatially self-cleaned output beam for a few-mode step-index fiber. The impact of the distribution of the initial excited modes on spatial beam self-cleaning has been demonstrated. It is also shown experimentally that for specific initial conditions, the output spatial pattern of the pulsed laser can be reshaped into the LP11 mode due to nonlinear coupling among the propagating modes. Self-cleaning into LP11 mode required higher input powers with respect to the power threshold for LP01 mode self-cleaning. Our experimental results are in agreement with the results of numerical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering that the movement trajectory of roadheader cutting head directly affects the surface morphology characteristics of roadway forming, the creation mechanism of roadway contour obtained by cutting head cutting roadway is analyzed. The robot kinematics analysis method was used to determine the coordinates of the roadheader cutting head in the roadway space coordinate system, and the mathematical model of the cutting head cutting the roadway contour was constructed. Through numerical calculation, the differences of roadway morphology characteristics formed by three different types of cutting heads are analyzed. The orthogonal experiment was designed, and the regression equation under multiple factors was solved with the experimental results. The influence of cutting feed rate, cutting Angle, cutting head radius and cutting head cone Angle on the morphology characteristics of cutting surface was analyzed by regression calculation and theoretical calculation. The research results show that the roadway surface obtained by "spherical crown + cylinder" cutting head is the most uneven, and the roadway surface obtained by "spherical crown + cone + cylinder" cutting head is the most flat. With the decrease of cutting lifting Angle, cutting feed, cutting head cone Angle and the increase of cutting head crown radius, the smoothness of roadway obtained by cutting is higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the flow characteristics in front chamber and rear chamber in pump mode and pump as turbine mode, a 3D computational model of a centrifugal pump was established, including the front and rear chamber. Based on Realizable k-ε turbulence model, numerical calculations of incompressible flow were carried out for internal viscous flow in two operating modes. Further analysis was conducted on the flow stability and hydraulic losses under two modes using energy gradient theory and entropy production theory. The numerical simulation results are within reasonable error compared to the experimental results in pump operation mode, which ensures the reliability of the numerical calculation method. The results indicate that the volumetric efficiency in both two modes is on an upward trend with increasing flow, but the volumetric efficiency of the pump mode is more significantly affected by changes in flow; the distribution patterns of dimensionless circumferential velocity and dimensionless radial velocity in the front and rear chambers under two operating modes are similar, but the distribution pattern of dimensionless radial velocity in the front chamber in turbine mode is significantly different from other operating conditions; flow instability is most likely to occur at the outlet of impeller, and the energy loss in clearance of wear-rings is greater than that in the pump chamber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the theory of empty hole effect of cutting blasting, the Hopkinson effect and Saint–Venant principle are integrated to establish a two-dimensional calculation model of dynamic stress evolution of the holes wall, and then the dynamic fracture mechanism and damage distribution mode of the rock mass in the cutting area under the action of longitudinal waves are predicted. The results of the calculation and numerical simulation are verified by experiments, and the results show that: The time-varying stress function of the circular cavity wall conforms to the periodic dynamic evolution of the trigonometric function, and the theoretical calculation is consistent with the simulation results. Through the calculation of the round holes cut model and the square empty hole cut model, the change of the shape of the holes in the cut area changes the failure form of the surrounding rock mass. The circular empty hole wall is affected by the stress wave to produce "interval ring" destruction, and the effect of the reflected stretch wave is inhibited. The large range of rock mass in the square empty hole wall produces tensile and shear failure, and the rock mass collapses inward under the influence of the second stage stress. Among them, the empty space utilization rate of the square empty hole model is about 8.5 times that of the circular holes model. Vibration monitoring in the center of the cutting area shows that the vibration effect of the circular empty hole is larger than that of the square empty hole, and the proportion of rock breaking energy is lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taking thin gauge strip as an example, the deformation process of metal strip in bending roll straightening was studied. Based on the theory of discrete, curvature integral and elastic–plastic mechanics, the strip travel trajectory of the bending roll straightening process is analyzed, and the numerical analytical calculation method of the continuous straightening process of the strip bending roll is established. The results are verified by establishing MARC finite element simulation and designing straightening experiment. The effects of yield strength, plastic rate and bending amount on residual stress after straightening were studied. In the straightening process, with the increase of the amount of bending roll, the residual strain converges to the region Γ, and with the increase of the yield strength, the region Γ decreases. With the increase of the yield strength, the amount of bending roll and the plastic rate, the wave height increases. The results of the calculation of residual stress, finite element simulation and experiment are close and the trend is consistent. The results show that the logic of the calculation method is reasonable, and the prediction error is within the scope of engineering application, which is helpful to the realization of process intelligence in the process of bending roller straightening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the effects of the uniaxial tensile strain and shear deformation as well as their combinations on the electronic properties of single-layer black phosphorene. The evolutions of the strain-dependent band gap are obtained using the numerical calculations within the tight-binding (TB) model as well as the first-principles (DFT) simulations and compared with previous findings. The TB-model-based findings show that the band gap of the strain-free phosphorene agrees with the experimental value and linearly depends on both stretching and shearing: increases (decreases) as the stretching increases (decreases), whereas gradually decreases with increasing the shear. A linear dependence is less or more similar as compared to that obtained from the ab initio simulations for shear strain, however disagrees with a non-monotonic behaviour from the DFT-based calculations for tensile strain. Possible reasons for the discrepancy are discussed. In case of a combined deformation, when both strain types (tensile/compression + shear) are loaded simultaneously, their mutual influence extends the realizable band gap range: from zero up to the values respective to the wide-band-gap semiconductors. At a switched-on combined strain, the semiconductor–semimetal phase transition in the phosphorene is reachable at a weaker (strictly non-destructive) strain, which contributes to progress in fundamental and breakthroughs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the intricate interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes through the lens of the prisoner's dilemma game. But while previous studies on cooperation amongst selfish individuals often assume instantaneous interactions, we take into consideration delays to investigate how these might affect the causes underlying prosocial behavior. Through analytical calculations and numerical simulations, we demonstrate that delays can lead to oscillations, and by incorporating also the ecological variable of altruistic free space and the evolutionary strategy of punishment, we explore how these factors impact population and community dynamics. Depending on the parameter values and the initial fraction of each strategy, the studied eco-evolutionary model can mimic a cyclic dominance system and even exhibit chaotic behavior, thereby highlighting the importance of complex dynamics for the effective management and conservation of ecological communities. Our research thus contributes to the broader understanding of group decision-making and the emergence of moral behavior in multidimensional social systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perforating well is one of the main production wells in reservoir development. Perforating effect directly affects well production, so the optimization of perforating parameters has attracted wide attention. Because pressure difference serves as the driving force for fluid flowing from formation to wellbore, it is important to understand the composition of production pressure difference in perforating well, which can guide the optimization of perforating parameters and the evaluation of perforating effect. In order to clarify the composition of production pressure difference during the production process of perforated wells, a pressure drop model pressure drop model is established based on fluid mechanics theory, which includes a pressure drop model of formation and a pressure drop model of perforation hole. The pressure drop model of formation is firstly constructed based on the Darcy's law and the equivalent resistance method, and the pressure drop model of perforation hole is built by the fluid tube-flow theory. Secondly, the numerical calculation method is adopted to realize the coupling solution of models, and the accuracy of this model is verified by comparison of the Karakas-Tariq model. Finally, the effects of formation physical properties and perforating parameters on flow pressure drop are discussed. The results show that there is a difference of more than 2 orders of magnitude between the pressure drop generated in perforation hole and flow pressure difference, and pressure drop of perforation hole can be neglected in practical applications. Comparing with medium–high permeability reservoirs, optimizing perforation parameters in low permeability reservoirs has a more significant impact on flow pressure drop. Among perforating parameters, perforation length and perforation density have great influence on flow pressure difference, while perforation diameter and phase angle have relatively little influence. These results have certain guiding significance for optimizing perforating parameters in different permeability reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The possibility of deformation and collision in existing railway bridge foundation structures due to the construction of a group of large irregular structures in close proximity and their potential for overturning under strong wind loads is posed as a potential threat. The impact of the construction of large irregular sculptures on bridge piers and their response under strong wind loads is primarily investigated in this study. A modeling method based on real 3D spatial information of the bridge structure, geological structure, and sculpture structure is proposed to accurately reflect their spatial relationships. Finite difference method is employed to analyze the impact of sculpture structure construction on pier deformations and ground settlement. The bridge structure exhibits small overall deformation, with maximum horizontal and vertical displacements of the piers located at the edge of the bent cap on the side of the critical neighboring bridge pier J24 adjacent to the sculpture. A fluid–solid coupling model of the interaction between the sculpture structure and wind loads with two different direction is established using computational fluid dynamics, and theoretical analysis and numerical calculations are conducted on the sculpture's anti-overturning performance. The internal force indicators such as displacement, stress, and moment of the sculpture structure in the flow field under two working conditions are studied, and comparative analysis of typical structures is conducted. It is shown that sculpture A and B have different unfavorable wind directions and specific internal force distributions and response patterns due to the influence of size effects. Under both working conditions, the sculpture structure remains safe and stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-depth analysis of a novel multiple scroll memristive-based hyperchaotic system with no equilibrium is provided in this work. We identify a family of more complicated n th -order multiple scroll hidden attractors for a unique, enhanced 4-dimensional Sprott-A system. The system is particularly sensitive to initial conditions with coexistence and multistability of attractors when changing the associated parameters and the finite transient simulation time. The complexity (CO), spectral entropy (SE) algorithms, and 0-1 complexity characteristics was thoroughly discussed. On the other hand, the outcomes of the electronic simulation are validated by theoretical calculations and numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of single-mode lasers with a high side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) is challenging but highly desirable for integrated photonics devices and long-distance communications due to their high spectral purity and stability. Here, we demonstrate a single-mode laser with a high side-mode suppression ratio based on size-mismatched triple-coupled microrings. With the exact engineering of several key parameters of the structure like air gap and radii of microrings for controlling the free spectral range (FSR), a predominant mode is selected to lase in amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) of the gain material and all side and high order modes are suppressed by Vernier effect. In this work, we show that a single-mode operation is efficiently generated with an improved side-mode suppression ratio of over 20 dB in a three-ring-coupled microcavity laser. The single-frequency output persists for a wide power range. The theoretical calculations and numerical simulations' results confirm the validity of the experimental results. Our structural engineering creates new opportunities in a variety of frontier applications in single-mode lasers and high-quality sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plants, the germinating pollen grain (pollen tube) is a single, elongated cell that serves as a conduit through which gametes pass. Pollen tubes display a fast growth rate, which under certain conditions, changes periodically and is accompanied by ion exchange with the growth environment. Therefore, pollen tubes exposed to various abiotic conditions may adversely affect or improve their reproductive performance and fertility. We examined a collection of live pollen tubes of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) and hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis L.) using a non-invasive semiconductor–electrolyte interface technique in the vicinity of the germination temperature or optimum growth temperature of a pollen grains/tubes. The time series measurements and numerical calculations, performed using information theory methods, represent signatures of collective dynamics in living cells at critical—molecularly encoded—germination and growth temperatures. This method (and soil pH data) can facilitate assisted plant migrations from one ecosystem to another as the Earth faces climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents finite element models of the 2xBgu type tread brake for the simulation of extended repeated frictional heating carried out on a full-scale inertia dynamometer. The numerical calculations were conducted for the brake blocks made of two organic composite materials newly developed specifically for this study. The transient temperature changes obtained from the 2D axisymmetric and 3D finite element analyses and experimental data agreed well during continuous process of about 1200 s. Simulation of such a long period of braking sequence required introducing simplifications in the boundary conditions in the contact area, convection cooling, arrangement of the model (2D axisymmetric, 3D). The focus was laid on representation of variation of the coefficient of friction and the temperature dependence of the properties of the friction materials during braking. The carried out research indicates limitations in the finite element analysis and directions of necessary improvements in modelling as well as measurements with the use of embedded thermocouples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A link between the resonant cumulative field enhancement experienced by a chain of plasmonic nanoparticles in a light field and the orientation of the chain with respect to the field is obtained. We calculate analytically the optical torque and the equilibrium configuration and we show how stable orientations are triggered by the geometric resonance conditions. Analytical predictions are checked using numerical calculations based on the coupled dipoles method (CDA) for the particular case of a chain of silver nanoparticles. The reported resonance driven optical torque allows for a tuning of the orientation of the chain depending on radiation's wavelength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A set of one-dimensional experimental device for solute transport in non-penetrating fractured clay are developed, which can study the laws of groundwater flow and solute transport under different hydraulic heads, fractured aperture, and thickness of non-penetrating zones. The experimental results show that the solute will quickly reach the bottom of the clay along the non-penetrating fracture, and there is an obvious dominant flow phenomenon compared with the intact clay. According to the experimental data and numerical calculation results, the model parameters of the fracture and each soil layer were identified, and the verified numerical model was used to simulate the solute transport in the non-penetrating fractured clay. The numerical results show that the increase of the thickness for the non-penetrating zone has a significant improvement on the anti-seepage ability of clay, and the increase of the hydraulic head pressure and fractured aperture leads to a faster growth rate of the solute concentration, which indicates that the solute breaks down the lower impermeable clay layer under high head pressure. The research results are of great significance for the bottom anti-seepage layer similar to landfill projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation relationships are pivotal for maintaining a cooperative society. A formation of the evaluation relationships has been discussed in terms of indirect reciprocity, by modeling dynamics of good or bad reputations among individuals. Recently, a situation that individuals independently evaluate others with errors (i.e., noisy and private reputation) is considered, where the reputation structure (from what proportion of individuals in the population each receives good reputations, defined as goodness here) becomes complex, and thus has been studied mainly with numerical simulations. The present study gives a theoretical analysis of such complex reputation structure. We formulate the time change of goodness of individuals caused by updates of reputations among individuals. By considering a large population, we derive dynamics of the frequency distribution of goodnesses. An equilibrium state of the dynamics is approximated by a summation of Gaussian functions. We demonstrate that the theoretical solution well fits the numerical calculation. From the theoretical solution, we obtain a new interpretation of the complex reputation structure. This study provides a novel mathematical basis for cutting-edge studies on indirect reciprocity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the frequent occurrence of strong earthquakes and the actual characteristics of buildings built on the top of slopes in the loess region of Western China, the dynamic response and stability law of loess slope under the building load on the top of the slope are discussed by using the three-dimensional finite element numerical calculation method. Taking the slope safety factor, acceleration amplification coefficient, building permanent displacement and slope sliding range as evaluation indexes, the dynamic safety of buildings on the top of the slope under earthquake is analyzed, and the recommended value of dynamic safety distance between top building and slope shoulder is put forward. The results show that: firstly, affected by the amplification effect of slope elevation, the dynamic response of buildings on the top of slope is stronger than that of buildings under slope. At the same time, affected by the amplification effect of the free surface of the slope, the dynamic response amplitude of the building is negatively correlated with the distance from the slope shoulder. Secondly, the horizontal acceleration ratio between the top building and the under building is the largest at the height of 3–6 m, indicating that the multi-storey building with pile raft foundation is most prone to damage at this height. Thirdly, the dynamic safety distance of multi-storey buildings with pile raft foundation located on the top of loess slope with slope height H ≤ 30 m and slope gradient 25° ≤ α ≤ 70° can be 24 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computing the total energy of a system of N interacting dislocations in the presence of arbitrary free surfaces is a difficult task, requiring Finite Element (FE) numerical calculations. Worst, high accuracy requires very fine meshes in the proximity of each dislocation core. Here we show that FE calculations can be conveniently replaced by a Machine Learning (ML) approach. After formulating the elastic problem in terms of one and two-body terms only, we use Sobolev training to obtain consistent information on both energy and forces, fitted using a feed-forward neural network (NN) architecture. As an example, we apply the proposed methodology to corrugated, heteroepitaxial semiconductor films, searching for the minimum-energy dislocation distributions by using Monte Carlo. Importantly, the presence of an interaction cutoff allows for the application of the method to systems of different sizes without the need to repeat training. Millions of energy evaluations are performed, a task which would have been impossible by brute-force FE calculations. Finally, we show how forces can be exploited in running 2D ML-based dislocation dynamics simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to analyze the influence of meso-structure and meso-parameters on deep granite characteristics, a construction method of variable radius proportional clump model was proposed with particle flow method. The clump particle flow structure was constructed which suited the mechanical characteristics of granite. The deep cavern numerical calculation model of gradual particle density was constructed using the variable radius proportional clump model construction method, and the macroscopic fracture law of deep cavern surrounding rock was analyzed. The results show that meso parameters have lower effects on the compressive and tensile ratios of particle structures in the ball and clump models. It is also found that clump structure is greatly influenced by particle proportion and size while ball model is only slightly influenced by particle size. Furthermore, the compressive and tensile strength curves and fracture modes of numerical simulations and laboratory tests are in good agreement. In addition, the calculated results of the tunnel after simulated excavation are very close to the engineering practice. There are obvious shear failure areas on the right vault and left wall of the tunnel, and the shape and depth of the fracture area are basically the same. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Average biodegradation rate of newly filled municipal solid waste (MSW) in landfills is relatively fast, and the landfill gas produced by the new MSW biodegradation can cause great variations in gas pressure. To predict the gas pressure distribution in the MSW layer, a one-dimensional gas transport model is established in this study. The following factors are considered in this model: (1) the variation of gas permeability with depth; (2) the anisotropy ratio of gas permeability; (3) the settlement caused by waste biodegradation. Furthermore, a single peak model for gas production is applied as the source term of gas production. The equation for settlement caused by waste biodegradation is presented, and the time of peak gas production rate is obtained by fitting the settlement of the newly filled layer. The stratification of the unsaturated and saturated regions is taken into account by distinguishing the difference in gas saturation. The layering of the new and old waste layers is considered by distinguishing the difference in the length of time that waste has been degraded to produce gas. Based on the method of numerical calculation, the gas pressure distribution in the landfill with layered new and old MSW is well simulated. The position where the maximum gas pressure occurs is found. The sensitivity analysis shows that the influence of the anisotropy ratio on gas pressure distribution is more significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We formulate a numerical method on the transmission and radiation theory of three-dimensional conductors starting from the Maxwell equations in the time domain. We include the delay effect in the integral equations for the scalar and vector potentials rigorously, which is vital to obtain numerically stable solutions for transmission and radiation phenomena in conductors. We provide a formalism to connect the conductors to any passive lumped-parameter circuits. We show one example of numerical calculations, demonstrating that the new formalism provides stable solutions to the transmission and radiation phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contactless electroreflectance studies coupled with numerical calculations are performed on in-situ SiNx capped N-polar III-nitride high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures with a scaled channel thickness in order to analyse the built-in electric field in the GaN channel layer. The experimentally obtained field values are compared with the calculated field versus channel thickness curves. Furthermore, the experimental and theoretical sheet carrier densities, ns, are evaluated. While a gradual decrease in carrier concentration with decreasing channel thickness is expected for N-polar structures, experimentally a sudden drop in the ns values is observed for samples with very thin channels. The additional loss in charge was associated with a change in the SiNx/AlGaN interface Fermi level at very thin channel thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible, light-weight and robust thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted much attention to convert waste heat from low-grade heat sources, such as human body, to electricity. Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn is one of the potential TE materials owing to its narrow band-gap energy, high charge carrier mobility, and excellent mechanical property, which is conducive for flexible and wearable devices. Herein, we propose a way to improve the power factor of CNT yarns fabricated from few-walled carbon nanotubes (FWCNTs) by two-step method; Joule-annealing in the vacuum followed by doping with p-type dopants, 2,3,5,6-tetrafluo-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ). Numerical calculations and experimental results explain that Joule-annealing and doping modulate the electronic states (Fermi energy level) of FWCNTs, resulting in extremely large thermoelectric power factor of 2250 µW m−1 K−2 at a measurement temperature of 423 K. Joule-annealing removes amorphous carbon on the surface of the CNT yarn, which facilitates doping in the subsequent step, and leads to higher Seebeck coefficient due to the transformation from (semi) metallic to semiconductor behavior. Doping also significantly increases the electrical conductivity due to the effective charge transfers between CNT yarn and F4TCNQ upon the removal of amorphous carbon after Joule-annealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If an object is very small in size compared with the wavelength of light, it does not scatter light efficiently. It is hence difficult to detect a very small object with light. We show using analytic theory as well as full wave numerical calculation that the effective polarizability of a small cylinder can be greatly enhanced by coupling it with a superlens type metamaterial slab. This kind of enhancement is not due to the individual resonance effect of the metamaterial slab, nor due to that of the object, but is caused by a collective resonant mode between the cylinder and the slab. We show that this type of particle-slab resonance which makes a small two-dimensional object much 'brighter' is actually closely related to the reverse effect known in the literature as 'cloaking by anomalous resonance' which can make a small cylinder undetectable. We also show that the enhancement of polarizability can lead to strongly enhanced electromagnetic forces that can be attractive or repulsive, depending on the material properties of the cylinder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]